After three years leading the peak advocacy body for Australia’s largest non-government group of health, aged and community care services, Jason Kara has announced his resignation.
"Today is my last day with Catholic Health Australia. It's been an honour to contribute to this unique peak body over the past three years," he wrote on LinkedIn on Friday (8 August).
While there was no press release from Catholic Health Australia advising of his departure, Board Chair Jenny Parker wrote to members and stakeholders on 31 July informing them of Jason's decision to resign.
The board has appointed Kathy Hilyard as Interim CEO following Jason's resignation. CHA said Kathy has extensive experience in leadership roles and has been working with the CHA Board and its members on a new three-year strategy. She is a serving member of the Board of the Institute of Public Administration Australia ACT and co-founded the Centre for Collective Leadership, a For-Purpose organisation.
Jason was appointed CEO of Catholic Health Australia in October 2023 after joining the advisory board as Director of Aged Care in July 2022. Prior to this, he had served for nine years with the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice
"As I look back on my time at CHA, I will reflect on some key successes," Jason said.
"Our advocacy in aged care has directly led to important changes in the new Aged Care Act to support fairness and financial sustainability. In health, our relentless focus on sustainability and access saw the beginnings of much-needed reform and a rebalancing between the interests of patients and private health insurers. These achievements were all made in the context of our mission – not to turn a profit or increase market share, but to improve the lives of all, especially those living on the margins of society."
"The mission which drives CHA members is real and tangible – and this is recognised by all. It gave me a seat at the table when serious reform was needed. CHA is always seen as a trusted partner who will give honest and wise counsel to all. It’s a formidable legacy and one I hope to have continued in dealings with Mark Butler MP, Sam Rae, Anne Ruston and their wonderful staff."
